Premier Chang San-cheng today presented this year's National Cultural Award to three individuals who Chang said "not only made the government proud but are also the pride of the nation."
One quality shared by writer Chung Chao-cheng, director Li Hsing and heritage preservationist Li Chien-lang is that they all set their goals early in life and persevered in their dreams, the premier said. This dedication culminated in today's achievement.
Chung Chao-cheng devoted his life to Taiwanese literature. His novels, set in a unique form and writing style, have become classics in Taiwan, Premier Chang said.
Li Hsing aspired to be a filmmaker at a young age. After graduating from National Taiwan Normal University, he climbed his way up from entry-level cinematography jobs to eventually become a film director. Over that time, he has garnered several Golden Horse Awards and other prestigious honors.
Li Chien-lang has restored many historic buildings to their former glory. After the February 26 earthquake in Tainan City, Premier Chang said he visited damaged temples that had been built over a century ago. He realized the restoration of these meticulously crafted structures will not be easy and thanked Li for his work in allowing future generations to enjoy such buildings.
The National Cultural Award is Taiwan's most prestigious accolade for lifetime achievements in culture. Since 1981, the honor has been conferred on 76 individuals, each of whom has devoted his or her life to a unique cause and played an important role in Taiwan's cultural sector, the Ministry of Culture said.